Black Forest – A Lancaster Brewery Serving True Tavern Ales

Dreamt on a mountain, developed around the table!

It starts with a man and his three sons on a march up a twenty degree slope that would last about ten miles… filled with thousands of escapades. Searching for and finally stumbling upon our perfect campsite… gathering firewood before the darkness of night descends, pitching tents, and settling in for the quiet of the mountain. Finally relaxing our weary feet next to a crackling fire, dreams of opening a brewery were discussed. The forty-two mile trail seemed to be never ending, never easy, and sure as hell never flat, but we never let it beat us. Now after years of planning and formulating, we can say “cheers” to the Black Forest Trail and honor the magical nights spent hiking its dark forest floors by opening our doors to the Black Forest Brewery. The trail has shown us that no matter the ascents and descents we travel, life is worth the vistas we see along the way.

As we open our Lancaster Brewery, we reminisce with friends and family about our commitment to making this journey a reality. With the support of many, we have turned the corner and proudly introduce you to the True Tavern Ales of the Black Forest Brewery each of them a labor of love (and lots of laughter)! Our goal is to make your experience at our Lancaster Brewery one that you will not soon forget. Our brewery and tasting room offer a warm, inviting atmosphere that begs you to “belly up” and share a laugh and a story. Our beer names are tied to local history and our favorite backpacking trail, and we look forward to sharing our stories of the past and how it ties to our future as a Lancaster Brewery and our new hometown of Ephrata.

The Journey Begins

The idea of opening a craft brewery began when Bob with his sons, Ryan, Ross and Reese were backpacking on the Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania…

Contact Us

We have a request from the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley to please refrain from utilizing their parking lot when visiting the brewery on Thursday evenings and Saturday from 10 – 4 (the hours they are open). We appreciate our good neighbors and would appreciate you honoring this request. Thank you!